Diamond leads a Star Studded, All Action, Jam Packed, Talent Deep Combine!

Jordan Diamond knew he had his work cut out for him if he planned to be amongst the Chicago combine's elite.

This combine was amongst the largest in NUC history, with two sophomore sessions and maxed out junior session clearly stating the kind of demand there was for this event. Naturally, more players equals better talent and much slimmer chances to win an award. Luckily he brought his A game and showed why he is more so a gem than a diamond in the rough.

The 6'4.5 291 lb Siemon HS standout may have gone above and beyond his own expectations, taking home the Overall MVP and Strongest Man honors in the sophomore session. Diamond bench pressed 185 lbs 24 times, had excellent feet, pro-style technique and a high intensity level. Between his size and skill, Diamond should find himself at a big time D1 program.

Junior Overall MVP Melvin "The Assassin" Gordon was responsible for the most jaw dropping performance of the junior day. The 6'0 185 lb Kenosha Bradford HS standout  had Olympic-type athleticism and was a gifted running back as well. He had a 35 inch vertical, 10'6 broad jump, ran a 4.31 shuttle, 4.52 40 and did everything possible during 1 on 1's. Gordon changed direction like Barry Sanders, runs good routes and has soft hands. This is what you call a special player folks.

Freshman MVP Joshua Jones has the ability and size of a player many years his senior. The Provo West standout is 6'0 303 lbs of power. He bench pressed 155 lbs 20 times and was clearly the top 9th grader in the 1 on 1's, using his aforementioned ridiculous size to shut down the opposing linemen during 1 on 1's.

Top Performance List Thicker than a City Phone Book!

JUNIORS:

Between the total number of athletes (near 600) and immense talent level, NUC CEO and President David Schuman had his hand fill when handing out the awards. With a number D1 prospects competing at the same position for an MVP, many spots had co-MVPs  and many terrific players didn't even take home an award.

Joliet Catholic rising senior Andrew Elliott was definitely the best non-Overall MVP of the weekend. The 5'10 182 lb standout had an 8'6 broad jump, ran a 4.41 shuttle, bench pressed 185 lbs 22 times and put on a clinic during 1 on 1's. He had quick feet, good hands, a nice release and ran with power. Juwan Martin (De La Sale) was also a gracefully gifted running back. With a 30.5 inch vertical, 4.35 shuttle run 4.55 40 and skills in 1 on 1's, The 5'8.5 210 lb prospect has the athleticism and strength to make it to the next level.

Josh Lisenby (a teammate of Martin at De La Salle) and Mason Fuller (Urban Prep) were both on their A game, making it harder than a Rubik's Cube. Both were around 6'1, had surprising athleticism for big men and played at a high speed.

There were also a plethora of other unbeliveable players such as Marquette Privott (Rich East), Rasheen Lemon (Provsio West) Devante Williams (Arrowhead), Yoel Wonsey (Neuqua Valley), and Hyeong-Joo Brian Kim (Glenbrook North).

SOPHOMORES:

Anthony Maddie (Aurora Christian) is an elite dual-threat QB. At 6'1 181, he has a 35 inch vertical, 9'0 broad jump, runs a 4.19 shuttle and 4.57 40. Skill wise, he is also right on the money. Maddie has exceptional footwork, a strong arm, Tom Brady like confidence and great accuracy. It's quite rare to find players like this.

Nick Mangieri (Dunlap) and Joey Desimone (Nazareth Academy) ran the show from the linebacker position. Both men were strong, athletic, moved well on the football field and gave us every reason to believe that they are the first breaking to make a tackle.

Everett Collins (Tuoiton), Chase Murdock (Barrington), and Rodney Mosley (Neuqua) were a tremendous running back trio. All three had power, speed, athleticism and ran with passion. At just about any other camp, any of these prospects would have clearly been awarded the RB MVP.

FANTASTIC FRESHMAN:

Christopher Thompson was amongst the best 8th graders we have ever seen. The 5'7 160 lb running back had a 30 inch vertical, 8'9 broad jump, bench pressed 135 lbs 22 times and was a phenom during 1 on 1's. He has a great chance of being in impact player on the varsity level next year and a top prospect shortly thereafter.

Right behind him was Mahone MS' Elijah Garcia wasn't far behind. Garcia has the talents of a player many years his senior, as a 4.54 shuttle and 8'7 broad jump are virtually unheard of from a player who is yet to experience Freshman Friday.

Kevin Weller (Neugua Valley) led the QB's with honor. The 5'11 201 lb prospect has exceptional mechanics, a good arm, an 8'10 broad jump and bench pressed 135 lbs 22 times.

With more camps like this, Chicago football will be neck and neck with their basketball.

CHICAGO, IL 9TH grade NUC Schuman’s Outstanding Performance List

CHICAGO, IL 9TH grade NUC Schuman’s Outstanding Performance List
Joshua Jones Proviso West HS, IL 9th OL #75	Jones won the Overall MVP award after an outstanding day. The 6'0 303 lb o-lineman dominated 1 on 1's bench pressed 155 lbs 20 times and has the kind of size to shut down any defensive player.
Christopher Thompson Milton Brunson MS, IL 8th RB #3	If there were one word that could describe Thompson, it would be potential. At 5'7 160, Thompson won the 8th Grade MVP after wowing our coaches with his 30 inch vertical, 8'9 broad jump, 22 reps at 135 on the bench press and dominance during 1 on 1's. You would be fool not to keep an eye on this kid.
Justin Corbett Lincoln Way East HS, IL 9th RB #12	Corbett, 5'11.5 177, brought home the RB MVP. He had an 8'4 broad jump, bench pressed 135 lbs 21 times, ran nice routes, had quick feet, good hands and is powerful off the line.
Kevin Weller Neugua Valley HS, IL 9th QB #52	Weller, 5'11 201, was awarded the QB MVP. Weller had an 8'0 broad jump, bench pressed 135 lbs 25 times, displayed good mechanics, a good arm and worked hard.
Elijah Garcia Mahone MS, WI 8th WR #2	Garcia was awarded the co-8th Grade MVP. Extraordinarily talented at 5'8 129,  Garcia ran a 4.54 shuttle, had an 8'7 broad jump, good hands, a quick release and worked hard.
Jackson Weber Whitefish Bay HS, WI 9th S #44	Weber, 5'11 179, won the DB MVP. He bench pressed 135 lbs 20 times, played physical during the 1 on 1's and locked down the receivers.
Jonathan Schultz Rich South HS, IL 9th DL #72	The DL MVP at 6'1 247, Schultz was a monster during 1 on 1's, using a powerful drive, good hips and outstanding hands to frustrate the opposing linemen.
Chikwe Obasih Brookfield Central HS, WI 9th DL #23	Obaih was the co-DL MVP. The 6'1 200 lb standout ran a 4.68 shuttle, was fast off the ball and had very good hands.
Austin Lacke Waubonsie Valley HS, IL 9th LB #65	Lackie brought home the LB MVP. He battled nonstop during 1 on 1's, ran a 4.67 shuttle and bench pressed 135 lbs 27 times. This 5'11.5 188 lber is your prototypical hard worker.
Darius Samuels Kankakee HS, IL 9th RB #20	Samuels sat atop the throne after being crowned Combine King. TH e 6'0.5 165 lb Samuels jumped 8'8 in the broad, ran a 4.66 shuttle and bench pressed 135 lbs 12 times.
Doug DiFusco Scullen MS, IL 8th WR #19	DiFusco was the top 8th grade wide receiver. Tiny in stature but huge in the talent department at 5'3.5 109, DiFusco had an '80 broad jump, ran a 4.71 shuttle, had good hands and great fundamentals.
Austin Guido Waubonsie Valley HS, IL 9th RB #17	Guido, 5'8 169, was the Fastest Man award winner. The jet footed Guido ran a 4.40 shuttle, 4.65 40 and had an 8'0 broad jump.
Jamil Eason Griffith HS, IN 9th LB #45	Eason won the Leadership. With a tremendous attitude, heart, determination and by being vocal the 5'5.5 157 Eason was clearly the leader of the pack throughout the event.
James Sellingor Athens HS, IL 9th LB #20	Sellingor, 5'8.5 198, brought home the Strongest Man award. He bench pressed 135 lbs an impressive 48 times.

Athletes to take the Windy City by Storm this weekend!

The National Underclassmen returns to the talent deep Chicago area this Saturday and Sunday where a record amount of athlete are projected to take the field at Lake Barrington Field House. When one mentions sports in the Windy City, the first one that comes to mind is basketball, but football is slowly catching up.

"With some of the best high school players in the country, Chicago basketball is always recognized amongst the best" , said NUC CEO & President David Schuman. "But people should take note of the elite level football players from this area as well."

Akron Bound Giorgio Bowers (Rich Central) was Chicago's best performer of 2009. The projected D1 standout won the Overall MVP and Fastest man on Junior day by wowing coaches with his 32.5 inch vertical, 9'8 broad jump, 4.37 shuttle run, 4.54 40 and 23 reps at 185 lbs on the bench press.

Nationally rated recruit Jamel Martin (Bollingbrook) was another elite star from just one year ago. The 6'0 195 lb running back has a 33.5 inch vertical, 9'9 broad jump and thoroughly dominated the 1 on 1's. He has tremendous strength and carries the ball with power. He is slated to suit up for Bowling Green this fall.

Notable underclassmen expected to make a triumphant comeback are Sophomore Overall MVP Tanner Crum of Mt. Carmel HS (who has been recruited by numerous D1 schools), Joliet Catholic's Josh Ferguson (currently fielding 5 D1 offers) and Mason Fuller among others.

Current 8^th/9^th graders are slated to compete at 8 am and sophomores are scheduled to hit the field at 1 pm on Saturday. There will also be a special second sophomore session Sunday at 8 in the morning, while juniors go for glory 1 pm on that very same day.

All athletes will partake in pro-style combine testing, including the 40-yard dash, broad jump, bench press, vertical leap, and shuttle run along with position specific drills, 1 on 1’s and 3 on 3 competitions.

Athletes can sign up for the Chicago combine on www.nationalunderclassmen.com or call 1-888-NUC-MVP1 for more details.